Terriers Seek to Maintain Perfect League Record Against Lafayette

By Akshai Wadhwani        October 6, 2017

BOSTON — Two teams who sit on opposite ends of the Patriot League mens soccer standings will square off on Saturday afternoon in Easton, Pa. – the Lafayette Leopards and the Boston University Terriers.

The Terriers (4-6-1, 3-0 PL) are poised at the top of the conference with the league’s only perfect record. They have yet to allow a goal in conference play, having beaten both American and Lehigh 2-0 before dominating Holy Cross 3-0 at Nickerson Field on Wednesday. In Patriot League play, BU is averaging just under nine shots per match. When accompanied by an imposing SOG average of 0.423, the Terriers’ offensive prowess becomes more stated.

BU has also seen contributions from 13 different players, with eight scoring goals and five providing assists. All in all, the Terriers are likely to threaten Lafayette’s goal frequently during this weekend’s matchup.

The Leopards (1-9, 1-2 PL), meanwhile, sit third from the bottom in the conference. In contrast to BU, their offense has performed dismally so far this season; they are the only team in the Patriot League not to have at least 100 shots, garnering just 66 over ten matches. That gives Lafayette an average of less than seven shots per match; however, similarly to the Terriers, they do have a high 0.424 SOG percentage.

The Leopards have been shut out in three of their last four matches, including a 1-0 home defeat to Army West Point on Wednesday.

BU is led on offense by sophomore Toti Knutsson, who has had an excellent run of play in recent matches, and will take the pitch with two goals and an assist on the season.  Anchoring the back line is center back mainstay Adam Sheikali, who is the reigning Turnpike Trophy MVP after his performance against Holy Cross.

The Leopards, on the other hand, will be hoping for offensive production from sophomores Evan Vare (2 goals, 21 shots) and Chris Gomez (1 goal, 1 assist).

The Terriers go on the road against a team that has not beaten them since 2013. Overall, the series stands at 3-1-0 in BU’s favor.  BU will be looking to make it four straight victories on Saturday.

Kickoff from Oaks Stadium in Easton, PA will be at 1 P.M.